Bakwena murals, an epitome of culture, history
Friday, September 16, 2016
Kweneng Mural PIC: THALEFANG CHARLES
Chosen by MYSC, the seven artists are Tlholego Radikolana, Mmoloki Timpa, Mmoloki Matlale, Tumelo Thuthuka, Vincent Moiteelasilo, Sylvester Koweno and Koketso Mosarwa.
This year marks 50 years since Botswana gained independence and it also marks 124 years since the death of Kgosi Sechele I of Bakwena. The murals at the Bakwena kgotla highlight Sechele as an integral part of Bakwena’s rich culture and history. The group of talented artists put him alongside Kgosi Sebele I and Kgosi Kgari. To dwell more on history, one of the painting depicts an image of Sechele’s cannon used to defend Bakwena during the battle of Dimawe on August 30, 1852. The cannon currently lies at a museum in Mafikeng in South Africa. Though the artists have never seen it, they managed to create a brief overview of the old cannon through their painting.
It highlights the need to protect rights such as access to clean water, education, healthcare and freedom of expression.President Duma Boko, rightly honours past interventions from securing a dignified burial for Gaoberekwe Pitseng in the CKGR to promoting linguistic inclusion. Yet, they also expose a critical truth, that a nation cannot sustainably protect its people through ad hoc acts of compassion alone.It is time for both government and the...